Hidden Gems: Meet Kennedy James-Foster of Desert League

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kennedy James-Foster.

Hi Kennedy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hello! My name is Kennedy James-Foster. I am 28 years old and a new small business owner of a clothing brand called Desert League, formed in March 2023. I have been a fan of streetwear fashion for a while now. As most know, some of the most desired streetwear and designer brands are pricey. I wanted to make something I would want to wear if I saw it in an Instagram ad but also make it affordable for others to purchase. I reside in Carlsbad, New Mexico, but I plan to move to Phoenix within a year. My first time in Phoenix was in August 2021, and I instantly fell in love with the city. I loved the desert aesthetic the area offered. Where I live, it also has a desert vibe (and an oilfield). I play in many basketball tournaments around the area, and one day thought of the term “Desert League,” and it stuck with me. Right then and there, I knew that was what I wanted the brand to be called. My girlfriend and I make all of the shirts together at our home. She has made shirts in the past and has helped me a lot throughout the creative process. It also helps that she doesn’t just tell me what I want to hear and is honest with me about each design idea I present to her. I’ve had a lot of support from my friends here, who have given me more confidence in my brand. I have high hopes for the future and can’t wait to see how much we grow these next few months!

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Being a newly formed small business, you can assume the number of obstacles and challenges. Getting your face and name out there is the hardest. Just because you have a dope idea and design and post it on your page doesn’t mean that you will be flooded with orders immediately. Proper promotion and consistent posting play critical roles in the success of getting orders. I am getting better, but I still have much to learn in that area. Next would be inventory. Buying items in bulk to make the shirts can be difficult paying up front and out of pocket, which leads to limited stock. Lastly, accept that some designs you come up with aren’t it. Sometimes what you think might look good turns out differently. All you can do is move on to the next idea!

Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Desert League is a clothing brand. Right now, we are just releasing short sleeve shirts. Eventually, we will have some hoodies, jackets, and sweatpants on the website when the fall rolls around. Shorts and hats are also in the works.

What were you like growing up?
I grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee, and lived there for 26 years before relocating to Carlsbad, New Mexico, in May 2021. I grew up playing different sports but excelled the most in basketball. My teachers always said I had a big heart, but I often visited the principal’s office! I was an average student at best. English and science were my strongest subjects. I received a scholarship for basketball after high school at a community college about an hour and a half away from home. However, things did not go as planned, and I returned home after the first semester. I tried doing some college after that but decided to work.

Pricing:

• T-shirts (25.00$)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://desertleagueclothing.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desertleague/